The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships takes place over the next two weeks, with the women’s event kicking things off. Here are the details.
What is it?
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a Premier Event on the WTA and the ATP tours. The women's tournament was first played in 2001 and so this year celebrates its 21st anniversary, while it is the 29th year for the men. It is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
When is it?
The main draw runs from Sunday, March 7 to Saturday, March 20, with the women's semi-finals on Friday, March 12, and the showpiece the following day. The men compete the second week, with the final on March 20.
How much prize money?
The women will be competing for a prize fund of $1,835,490.
The men will be competing for a prize fund of $2,048,855
Where is it?
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, formerly The Aviation Club, in Garhoud. The venue has hosted the Championships since its inauguration in 1993.
Who is playing?
As always, this year’s tournament is stacked with talent, with world No 5 Elina Svitolina, former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova, 2021 Abu Dhabi winner Aryna Sabalenka and Tunisian Ons Jabeur among the star names appearing in the women's competition.
In the men's event, Swiss legend and eight-time Dubai winner Roger Federer will continue his comeback from injury, while 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem will be the top seed.
They will be fighting it out with, among other star names, world No 8 Andrey Rublev, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, 2020 Dubai semi-finalist Gael Monfils, 2018 Dubai champion Roberto Bautista Agut, and 2021 Montpellier winner David Goffin.
How to watch the action
Spectators are unable to be at the events because of Covid restrictions.
The tournaments will be broadcast live on Dubai Sports TV.